NOVA Season 34 Episode 16 Pocahontas Revealed

In the season 34 episode 16 of NOVA titled "Pocahontas Revealed," viewers are taken on a journey through history to uncover the real story behind the iconic figure of Pocahontas. Pocahontas, who famously saved the life of John Smith and played a vital role in the early years of the Jamestown colony, has long been celebrated as a symbol of Native American-English cooperation and cultural exchange. However, many aspects of her life and story remain shrouded in mystery and myth.

The episode begins by setting the stage and providing historical context for Pocahontas' story, explaining the fraught relationships between the early Jamestown colonists and the Native American tribes that inhabited the surrounding land. Viewers learn about the complex cultural and political dynamics at play, and how Pocahontas and her tribe, the Powhatans, may have viewed the English settlers as both potential allies and invaders.

From there, the episode delves into Pocahontas' life story and tries to separate fact from fiction. Viewers learn about her early childhood, growing up in the Powhatan chiefdom and likely playing a role in her father's political negotiations with neighboring tribes. One interesting revelation is that Pocahontas was not actually her real name - it was a childhood nickname which meant "mischievous one" or "playful one." Her true name is believed to have been Matoaka.

The episode then explores the events that led up to Pocahontas' famous encounter with John Smith. We learn how Smith was captured by the Powhatans and nearly put to death, and how Pocahontas may have intervened at the last moment to save his life. However, historians disagree on the specifics of this incident, and the episode presents various theories and interpretations.

Following this pivotal moment, Pocahontas' life took a number of twists and turns. She was eventually captured by the English colonists and held for ransom, during which time she converted to Christianity, took a new name (Rebecca), and married a tobacco planter named John Rolfe. She later traveled to England with Rolfe, where she was received as something of a celebrity and spectacle, before tragically dying at a young age.

Throughout the episode, the NOVA team relies on a mixture of historical documents, archaeological evidence, and expert analysis to piece together the true story of Pocahontas. They consult with historians and anthropologists, as well as descendents from the Powhatan tribe, all of whom have their own unique perspectives and insights to offer. The episode also includes detailed recreations of historical events, including depictions of Powhatan life, the Jamestown settlement, and Pocahontas' interactions with her English captors.

Ultimately, "Pocahontas Revealed" paints a nuanced and complex portrait of a Native American woman caught between two very different worlds. While the episode doesn't necessarily provide all the answers, it does offer a fresh and thought-provoking take on a familiar historical figure, inviting viewers to reconsider their preconceived notions of Pocahontas and the early history of America.